The European Union has pledged nearly €545 million to support renewable energy projects across Africa. The funding aims to expand electricity access, strengthen regional power grids, and accelerate Africa’s transition toward clean and sustainable energy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the package in a video message at the Global Citizen Festival alongside the UN General Assembly. Von der Leyen said, “The choices Africa makes today are shaping the future of the entire world with jobs, growth, and stability.”
The statement noted Africa has immense renewable energy potential, yet nearly 600 million people still live without reliable electricity access. The EU funding intends to drive development, enhance regional stability, and help meet global climate objectives across the continent.
Projects will be implemented in countries including Ivory Coast, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, the Central African Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Somalia. Officials emphasized that renewable energy investment is critical not only for electricity access but also for economic growth and climate resilience.
Africa’s clean energy transition is positioned as a key pillar in achieving both regional development and the broader global climate agenda. The EU said it aims to foster partnerships with local governments and private sectors to ensure sustainable, long-term energy solutions across Africa.
Von der Leyen concluded that supporting Africa’s renewable potential is a shared responsibility, promising lasting benefits for both the continent and the world. This initiative underscores the growing international focus on renewable energy as a catalyst for social, economic, and environmental transformation across Africa.
